Suspected Bomb on Worthing Beach Identified as Historic Gas Canister

A suspected wartime unexploded bomb found on Worthing Beach has been confirmed as a historic gas canister, according to local authorities. Emergency services, including the Royal Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, were deployed to assess the object after it was discovered beneath the tide line. The item has now been safely removed.

The suspected ordnance was found opposite Heene Terrace on Thursday, February 13, prompting the involvement of HM Coastguard, Sussex Police, and the Royal Navy. Due to the object’s initial appearance, a 100-metre exclusion zone was established while experts carried out an assessment. The borough council stated that layers of sand and shingle had made identification difficult at first.

Following an X-ray examination, specialists confirmed that the object posed no risk, identifying it as a historic gas canister. The item was removed from the beach on Thursday, February 20, with assistance from Hemiko, a partner in the Worthing Heat Network, which provided equipment for the operation. The council thanked emergency services for their swift response in ensuring public safety.